Page 17 of Light and Shadow
“Something besides my nausea? That’s a lot to ask.” I try to laugh, but it comes out more like a groan.
Pressing both of his hands to my abdomen and with his cheek resting against the side of my head, he says something I don’t understand.
My seasickness disappears in an instant. I turn to look at him. “What did you do?”
Bert turns us to the right, and I tumble back into Aaran’s arms. If I’m smart, I would pull away, but I love how it feels to be held by him. He’s strong yet gentle, and somehow regal. I’m in so much trouble.
He kisses my forehead. “I eased your illness.”
“Won’t that use up magic you’ll need?”
His lips are more magic than the spell he used to calm my churning gut. I rest my cheek on his chest and wrap my arms around him. It should be awkward, but it just feels right.
“It’s not much to help your seasickness. Nothing like curing an illness. I’ll be fine to open the gate. Besides, I think this journey will take some time, and we can’t have you weak and sick from the sea. You’ll need your strength when we get to Domhan.” He runs his hand over my hair as if he cherishes me as more than a key to saving his world.
Of course, that’s just the lie I’m telling myself, but it’s a very pretty lie.
We port at the easternmost point of Nova Scotia, and Bert gets fuel.
Aaran helps him, and I sit. The wide ocean between us and Newfoundland is gray with whitecaps ready to pull me under. Dark clouds gather, and it’s hard to tell from what direction the weather is coming. I’ve never seen clouds pull together from more than one direction, and I know nothing about storms at sea, but it frightens me. “I don’t know if I can do this.”
Sitting beside me, Nancy sighs. “No one truly knows what they’re capable of until they’re tested in the real world.”
“Is this the real world? I was beginning to think I got lost in a dream slash nightmare.” I watch the people work on the docks. Bert and Aaran have disappeared into a small gray building with white trim. These docks are filled with boats in slips, along with men and women with thick biceps to lift coils of two-inch rope and bins filled with fish. “I’m not strong or brave.”
“I used to say that about myself, and then Aaran’s mother, Elspeth Riordan, picked me to come to the human world and search for the answers that would save Domhan. She thought I would bring something special to the search. I met Bert and stayed when she and the others returned home. Perhaps my staying was really about waiting for the two of you to come through and need passage to the portal.” Her eyes smile as Bert’s laughter carries from the doorway of the building. “It’s been a good life here.” She dashes a newly shed tear.
“Do you regret staying?” It’s none of my business, but her emotions have me curious, and it’s a good distraction from my worries.
Shaking her head, she smiles. “Not for one moment. I’ve loved living here, and Bert and I have been very happy.”
I like the idea of a love that survives with all the differences they must have faced. “Is it rude of me to ask why your ears aren’t pointed?”
Her laugh is full and light. “Not at all. I use a glamor spell to hide my ears and the difference in aging. I noticed Aaran is keeping his ears round for the viewing of humans.”
“Really. Doesn’t that take a lot of effort to keep up all the time?” I’m still confused about how magic works. I mean, who wouldn’t be? “Aaran nearly used all his energy when he healed my mother in hospice.”
“Did he?” She frowns and her bright eyes dim. “Is that how he convinced you to go on this journey?”
“No. Though, it was easier to say yes, knowing my mother was safe. He said that if the witch queen wins and turns your world dark, it will only be the beginning, and that eventually, she would come here and destroy our world as well.” I’m distracted by Aaran and Bert returning to the boat. Both carry five-gallon gas cans. The red-and-black tanks make Aaran’s arms bulge as he lifts them over the side of the boat. They use thick bungee cords to strap them to the sides of the rear deck.
“If your mother was in a way near to death, he could have died trying to heal her. If you’d already told him no, he probably had little to live for. If you are part of the key to the survival of Domhan and defeating the witch queen, then everything Aaran knows will be gone. Saving your mother may have been his gift to you. The fact that the effort didn’t kill him must mean something.” Nancy’s watching Aaran work on coiling a rope as if she’s seeing him in a new light.
“What does it mean?” I don’t know what I would have done if Aaran had died to save my mom. The thought creates such an ache in my chest that I have to clutch it and breathe through.
Nancy shakes her head. “I don’t know. I’m no oracle. But that kind of magic is a special gift from the old gods.” When she smiles, there’s something new in her eyes and I think it’s hope.
After a long night and then a rest in one of the ports along the southern coast of Newfoundland, Bert slumps. The rain is coming down harder now. “This last bit will be tricky.”
“Why?” All the coastline and ocean look the same to me. As I stare ahead, it’s the same foreboding view as I saw behind.
He points to the landmass ahead. “We have to go around this point, then we can head northwest to the cove where Nancy came from.” He clears his throat. “I suppose I always knew she’d go back one day.”
I turn to Nancy, where she’s leaning against the wall of the bridge. “Are you coming with us?”
Nancy stands straight. “I can’t stay here safe and sound while my people fight for their lives and Domhan.”
“I know.” His jaw ticks. “And I can’t watch you leave me. I suppose that means I’m going to Domhan too.”
